Free legal clinic for abuse victims
Nuneaton solicitors have set up a free legal clinic to help advise people suffering from domestic abuse.
Lorraine Phimister and Heather Wolfe of Willsons Solicitors run the clinic on the first Saturday of each month and their second session will take place on 2 January between 10am and 12pm.
The drop-in clinic offers an advice and guidance service for victims of abuse who can come in and speak confidentially to a solicitor or representatives from Warwickshire Domestic Violence Support Service (WDVSS).
The women and some men who use the clinic are given all the information they need to help them take the first step to break the cycle of violence and make arrangements for legal support which will protect them.
The clinic is open to anyone in Nuneaton, Bedworth, Atherstone and Coventry who can come in to find out about legal aid available. It is offered in addition to the legal aid service provided by Willsons who represent victims and help them prepare statements, and fill in court applications and obtain orders.
Court orders prove successful in 90 per cent of cases and give women a chance to rebuild their confidence. Following a court order support services tend to keep in touch with victims to make sure they are OK and continue to receive any support they need.
Lorraine said: “Offering the sessions on Saturday offers more flexibility for victims. We often see women who are terrified of their abuser and we understand how difficult it can be to see a solicitor. We are extremely understanding and approachable and we ensure that we give them the very best service possible.
“We have excellent working relationships with other organisations and the police so that we all work together to bring about the best possible outcome for our clients.
“The priority of all the agencies involved is to keep women safe. When they ask for help they are very vulnerable, scared and unsure of where to go and how to get help. It is essential that services respond promptly as this could be the only time these women reach out.”
Rachel Dempsey from Warwickshire Domestic Violence Support Service said: “We have a long standing relationship with Willsons and a WDVSS Support Worker will attend each of the clinics. We have also developed robust referral processes which are vital to ensuring we can act fast to offer the right support to victims to keep them safe.
“It takes a lot of courage for victims to reach out for support at a time when they feel so vulnerable. They often don’t understand the legal processes in place to protect them and their children so working together we can help explain their rights to them and get them the support they need to make their lives safer.”
Willsons Solicitors and WDVSS are part of Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse WADA), a group of agencies who work together to tackle the harm caused by domestic abuse in the county.
WADA’s Talk 2 Someone campaign provides a number of ways to seek help and information regarding domestic abuse including a free helpline number 0800 408 1552, available between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm Saturday.
There is also a website – http://www.talk2someone.org.uk - which offers information and support for victims, families, friends and neighbours as well as perpetrators, who may be looking to turn things around. Last year 110 people sought counselling to change their behaviour.
If you are in immediate danger contact Warwickshire Police by dialling 999 -. Warwickshire Police can also be contacted on 01926 415000.